New Years Eve Party Food Ideas!

Happy New Year from Mommy's Kitchen!

Are you getting ready for your New Years Eve festivities? Lets face it when you're ringing in the New Year it's usually all about the food and drinks. Well, at least that's the way it is for me. All those appetizers, yummy dips and delectable treats to be consumed.

Keeping it simple is always the way to go, so if you're planning on hosting a party keep that in mind. Finger foods, dips and appetizers are the best choices. That being said I wanted to share a few of my favorite party foods with you. Enjoy!!!!!!!

Fried Green Beans & Dipping Sauce
Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Pioneer Woman's Olive Cheese Bread {deadly}

Trisha's Hot Corn Dip
Velveeta Queso Dip
Ranch Sausage Stars
Charleston Cheese Dip

Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Shrimp Cocktail Dip
Fluffy Fruit Dip
Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Here are some of my favorite party desserts:

Strawberry Delight W/Shortbread Crust
Fudge Puddles aka Puddles of Yum
Hillbilly Toffee {Cracker Candy}
Knock Ya Naked Brownies

I almost forgot about these...... too good not to mention.

Pepperoni Pizza Bread

White Castle Sliders

I hope everyone has a Happy and
safe New Year.

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Egg Nog Coffee Cake

Egg Nog is one of those things that you either love or hate. Me, I love to drink it and bake with it as well. When I saw this recipe for Egg Nog Coffee Cake over at Mandy's Recipe Box, I knew I had to make it. Mandy's photos had me drooling all over my keyboard.

I wanted to make this as part of our Christmas morning breakfast. I already had a savory breakfast casserole, so this coffee cake was perfect for the sweet portion of the meal.

The best part about this recipe is that I could prepare and assemble the coffee cake the night before. Then it stores easily in the refrigerator. This was such a huge time saver on Christmas morning.

When the coffee cake was baked and out of the oven I could hardly wait to dig in. All I can say about this recipe is that it defiantly didn't disappoint. Goodness this coffee cake was so moist, so delicious and had such a festive flavor to it.

Even my little guy who dislikes eggnog said he loved it. I know this recipe will become a holiday favorite from here on out in our house. I think I might even freeze some egg nog so I can enjoy it throughout the year.

Egg Nog Coffee Cake

1 - cup granulated sugar
1/2 - cup butter, softened
1 - cup eggnog
1 - 8 oz container sour cream
1 - teaspoon rum or butter extract
2 - eggs
2 1/2 - cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 - teaspoons baking powder
1/2 - teaspoon baking soda
1/2 - teaspoon salt

Struesel Topping:
1/3 - cup granulated sugar
1 - tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 - tablespoon butter, softened
1/4 - teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 - teaspoon cinnamon

Grease bottom only of rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, with shortening. In small bowl, mix all Streusel Topping ingredients with fork until crumbly; set aside.

In large bowl, beat 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Beat in 1 cup eggnog, the sour cream, rum or butter extract and eggs until blended. Stir in 2 1/2 cups flour, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Spread in pan.

Sprinkle Streusel Topping over batter. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Uncover pan; bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes and then drizzle with the egg nog glaze.

Egg Nog Glaze:
1/2 - cup powdered sugar
1-2 - tablespoon Egg Nog

In small bowl, mix all Eggnog Glaze ingredients until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over coffee cake. (I doubled the glaze recipe).

Slightly adapted from: Mandy's Recipe Box

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Graham Cracker Peppermint Bark {Easy Last Minute Gift Idea}

I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away. Tonight I wanted to share an easy last minute gift idea with everyone. Earlier this week I was at the doctors office and I was thumbing through their magazines and came across this recipe for Graham Cracker - Peppermint Bark.

My first thought was this is something so easy, but it looks like it took hours to make. Defiantly my kind of recipe. Peppermint and chocolate go perfectly together. I don't know why I didn't think of this myself.

Oh well all that matters is that now I know about this yummy little treat. I had everything on hand, so I had to make a batch. They turned out so pretty and taste just as good as they look.

I added some mini chocolate chips to a few of the graham crackers because my son doesn't like candy canes. If you need a last minute gift I highly recommend making these. Only three ingredients, so it doesn't get much easier than that.

Graham Cracker Peppermint Bark

8 - 10 graham crackers (1 - sleeve)
2 - candy canes, crushed
12 oz - milk chocolate almond bark (half of a 24 oz block)
(I prefer Plymouth Pantry's Chocolate Bark)

Add chocolate to a microwave safe bowl and melt using the defrost setting of your microwave. (about 6 minutes). Break graham cracker into fours. Using a fork dip each graham cracker into chocolate to coat, letting excess drip off.

Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with peppermint. I garnished a few with some mini chocolate chips. Allow to set about 30 minutes. Break into pieces or leave whole. Store in a airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week.

Recipe Yields: 40 pieces Recipe Source: Ladies Home Journal

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Chocolate Chip Cake Batter Cookies

Today I wanted to share a quick recipe that will be perfect for your Christmas Cookie Tray. I found these Chocolate Chip Cake Batter Cookies on Pinterest a couple months back.

The original recipe was pinned by Tried and Tasty and I couldn't wait to give it a try. I did adapt the recipe slightly by using butter in place of oil and adding a bit of vanilla extract.

Cookies with a cake mix what a great combination not to mention a huge time saver. I always have a cake mix or two on hand, so these cookies are perfect if you need a quick treat to take to a holiday party.

Beware though because these cookies are so addicting! There's no better sight than a full cookie jar, but all those cookies pictured above were gone the very next day. The kids really liked them, so I can't wait to make another batch.

By using a cake mix the flavor possibilities can be quite tasty. I think next time I want to try a chocolate cake mix and use a combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips.

White cake mix and chocolate chips are a good choice as well. I think the Funfetti cake mix would be great for the holidays and you could toss in some white chocolate chips. Just use your imagination.

Chocolate Chip Cake Batter Cookies

1 - 18.25 oz. box yellow cake mix
1/2 - cup butter, melted
1/2 - teaspoon vanilla
2 - eggs, beaten
1 - cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry cake mix, butter, vanilla, and eggs until smooth and well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto a un greased baking sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely. If not they will fall apart.

Note: I don't think I would substitute applesauce in place of butter or oil because I think this would change the taste of the cookie.

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Giving Back This Christmas With Walmart

The holiday season is a happy time for everyone, but for some people it can also be a difficult time. I sometimes get so busy during the holidays that I forget about families who are less fortunate that my own.

For them just dealing with everyday expenses is a hard strain. Then the holidays roll around and there isn't any extra money to purchase Christmas gifts. This always makes me sad and touches close to home for me.

When my oldest son was less than a year old I was a single mother struggling to get gifts for my child. I had a table top Christmas tree and nothing to put under it. I remember having to go to the store just to put $4o worth of toys on layaway. I couldn't afford the whole bill so layaway was my only option.

For me it was a way that I could put something on hold till pay day. I had no other choice because all I had was enough for the 10% down payment. Then on payday I could pay it off. All that mattered to me was giving my son something for Christmas. It was all worth it when I saw the big smile on his face Christmas morning.

I'm so glad those days are behind me, but I still remember the feeling of struggling to get something for my son for the holidays. All of the money I had was for diapers, milk, food, gas and rent. So I feel for those families that struggle to put a gift under their own Christmas tree.



So, when Walmart gave me the the opportunity to shop for some toys and then donate them to a local charity, I jumped right on board. My challenge was to see how many toys I could purchase for $50 (gift card provided).

Off to Walmart I headed with my two youngest children. I wanted them to experience the gift of giving instead of just receiving. We were all so excited to get started. Today I'm sharing a video
of our trip to Walmart to find some gifts for our local toy drive.

Toys That We Donated:

• Build a Bear Sugar Puppy - $9.97
• 3D Tangled Puzzle - $4.00
• Transformers Dual Pack - $9.88
• Basketball - $4.86
• Infant Tickle Toes Plush Bear - $4.97
• Baby Teether Pack - $3.00
• Rubber Bath Toy Duck .97
• Rubber Bath Toy Hippo - .97
• Holiday Time Elephant Stuffed Animal W/Blanket - $8.98
  

Our total came to $50.48 with tax for all the toys we picked out. All toys were donated to the Rockwall Country Helping Hands Organization. I hope we made Christmas morning a little brighter for 4 children! I would like to thank Walmart for giving my children and I the opportunity to give back to our community this holiday season.

My kids were so excited that night when they went to bed. All they could talk about was the toys they picked out. My daughter said, mom do you think she will like what I picked out? I told her of course she will.

Carson said he loves basketballs so he knows the little boy he picked it out for will love it. They were a bit sad knowing this might be the only gifts those children receive Christmas morning. I told both of them at least they will get something and I am sure they will be grateful to both of you.

This video/post is sponsored by Walmart. I have been compensated for my time and efforts in creating this video/post. Walmart has provided me with a $50 gift card to use towards the purchase of the items mentioned. My participation is in this program is voluntary. As always the opinions stated are entirely my own.

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Pinto Bean, Steak & Dumpling Soup & {A Bush's Beans Giveaway}

Back in October I was invited to be a part of a Bush's Beans Culinary Event at the Paws Up Resort in Montana. Sadly I was unable to attend the event, but the rest of Team Bean - Kristen, Katie, Cheryl, Sandy, Aggie, Amy and Laura as well as the wonderful PR Team all went. Even though I couldn't actually be at the event I was still able to connect and keep up through Twitter and Face book.

At the Culinary Event Team Bean got to prepare a few seasonal inspired bean dishes with the wonderful and talented Jeffrey Saad & Connie Gutterson. I have had two opportunity to work with Jeffrey and Connie and both of them are equally inspiring. They really know how to get your creative juices flowing.

Photo credit: Crackle Photography

I love these events because no question is silly or crazy. We have so much fun and everyone feels so comfortable working together in the kitchen. I can honestly say I learn something new every time I attend. The best part is that we get to sit down together family style and enjoy all the dishes that we prepared together. I think that's my favorite part of the whole event.

All of the dishes that were prepared at the Culinary Event looked equally delicious, but this Pinto Bean, Steak & Dumpling Soup really caught my eye. With winter upon us there is nothing more comforting than a nice hot bowl of soup.My favorite soups are thick hearty ones and this one doesn't disappoint.

This soup is packed full of steak, pinto beans, corn dumplings and a tasty broth packed full of spices and flavor (Full Recipe Below. Jeffrey recommends slicing the steak into bite sized pieces, showering with an even coating of kosher salt before and then searing the meat. Searing the meat before adding it to the soup adds so much more flavor.

I don't want to leave out any of the other dishes that were prepared at the event, so I have included links below for the following recipes. Calabrian Style Chicken With Beans, Wild Mushroom and White Bean Tart pictured above with Connie. And the Cumin Chicken With Black Bean Stuffing which I have heard was fabulous. While you're at the Bush's Website don't forget to browse around because they have Quick and Easy recipes, Seasonal Sensations and Kid Friendly Bean recipes. I'm sure you will find something you will like.

I also wanted y'all to get a little bean inspired, so how about a Giveaway!!! The nice folks over at Bush's were gracious enough to give one of my lucky readers a chance to win a great prize pack below.

Prize Pack Includes the Following Items - Contest Closed

Staub Grill Pan • Apron • Silpat • Bean Strainer • Recipes made at the event
Various Spices to make recipes • Coupons for Free Cans of Bush’s Beans.

Contest is now Closed!!!
Winner of the Bush's Beans Prize Pack is Wendy Bowman!!!

Contest Rules: For your chance to win this wonderful Gift Pack just leave a comment telling me your favorite recipe using beans (mandatory entry). You have until Sunday, December 11th at 5:00 PM (CST) to enter.

One winner with will be selected using random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected. Contest open to US Residents only due to shipping charges. Good Luck to everyone who enters. I have also included the delicious soup recipe below.

Please leave a valid email address in your comment, so I am able to contact you in the event that you're the winner.

Pinto Bean, Steak & Dumpling Soup

Dumplings:
1 - teaspoon canola oil
½ - cup corn kernels (about 1 cob)
¼ - cup milk
4 - tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
½ - teaspoon baking powder
¼ - teaspoon kosher salt
½ - cup cornmeal
1 - cup all-purpose flour

For Steak:
1 - 12-14 ounce rib eye steak, cut into ½-inch pieces
Salt and pepper
2 - teaspoons canola oil

For Soup:
1 - white onion, sliced
2 - cloves garlic, chopped
1 - tablespoon chile powder or 2 dried red guajillo chiles
1 - tablespoon chile powder or 2 dried red ancho chiles
½ - teaspoon cumin seed or powder
1 - quart beef broth
2 - cups water
¾ - cup canned tomato puree
1 - can (16 ounces) BUSH’S Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
¼ - cup lime juice
½ - teaspoon kosher salt
¼ - cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dumplings: In medium-sized pot over medium-high heat pour 1 teaspoon canola oil. Once hot, add corn. Stir and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Pour in milk and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 1 minute. Turn off stove, set aside to cool.

Place butter, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; allow mixture to rise to room temperature. Then use the paddle attachment for an electric mixer or hand mixer to whip.
Add cooled corn/milk mixture to bowl and blend with butter, baking powder and salt mix. Using mixer on slow speed, gradually add cornmeal and flour until mixture forms into dough, about 3 minutes.

Remove dough from mixer, place on clean counter. Knead dough until soft, should not be sticky or dry. Wrap dough in plastic and place in refrigerator. For Steak: Season steak with salt and pepper, to taste.

Place a wide pot over medium heat; add 2 teaspoons of canola oil. Once a haze begins to rise from the pot, use tongs to carefully place steak into pot. Sauté until deep golden brown. Using tongs remove steak, set aside on a plate to cool.

Soup: Keep stove on. Place onions, garlic, chiles and cumin in the same pot used for the steak, stir occasionally for 5 minutes or until ingredients are golden brown. Pour in beef broth, water and tomato puree, bring to a boil. Cover pot with lid, turn heat down and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn stove off, set aside to cool.

Pour cooled soup base into a blender, puree ingredients until smooth. Once smooth, pour soup base back into pot, add pinto beans. Set aside. Remove dumpling dough from refrigerator, unwrap plastic. Pull off large marble-sized pieces. One at a time, hold dough piece in the palm of your hand and use your thumb to press dough into a boat shape.

Once all are done, bring soup base to a simmer and then place dumplings into pot. Cover with lid, cook for 10 minutes. Add steak, lime juice, salt and dumplings to pot and bring soup to a boil. Turn off stove.Ladle soup into bowls; serve even amounts of steak, beans and dumplings. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Preparation time: 30 minute(s)
Cooking time: 45 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 6

Pinto Bean, Steak & Dumpling Soup created for BUSH’S® Beans exclusively by Chef Jeffrey Saad, culinary expert and television host of numerous food-and cooking-related shows.

Disclosure: Bush's had provided me with one gift pack to give away to one of my readers. All comments and opinions stated above are my own. I would like to thank Bush's Beans for sponsoring this giveaway.

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